#MeatlessMonday: Kale & Quinoa Pilaf

July 30, 2012

I’ve had several people ask me for a good quinoa recipe lately, and this is the one I always recommend. The lemon gives it a refreshing, summery taste and the mixture of toasted pine nuts, kale and quinoa give it a surprising heartiness that leaves you feeling full. It’s great on its own, or alongside a tasty wrap to round out a healthy lunch. This recipe is a great guide, because you can swap out different ingredients to change up the taste…use almonds or walnuts instead of pine nut, sub feta or cubed mozzarella for the goat cheese or even use a different grain, such as Farro, for the base. The combinations are endless while staying healthy, delicious and budget-friendly.

Kale & Quinoa Pilaf

1tbs roasted walnut oil (you can use evoo or sunflower oil, but the walnut oil really has a great flavor)

3 tbs toasted pine nuts

¼ cup crumbled goat cheese

Bring the salted water to a boil and add quinoa. Cover and lower the heat to simmer. Simmer 10 minutes, then top with chopped kale and re-cover. Simmer 5 more minutes then remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine lemon juice and zest through goat cheese in a medium bowl. Head back to the stove to check on the quinoa. It should have absorbed all the liquid and you should be able to fluff it with a fork. Mix the kale in with the quinoa, then pour over lemon/oil mixture. You can serve immediately or chill overnight and have for lunch the next day. It’s great served warm or cold!